I’d like to be able to feel good again about how our county’s government works. I’d like to see our legislators come to a reality-based consensus on taxes, spending and reducing the deficit. I believe the Republican offer to avoid the “fiscal cliff” will actually lower rates for the wealthy and stick the middle class with the bill. Independent analysts who have looked at this plan have concluded that middle class taxes will have to go up to pay for lower rates for millionaires and billionaires. This would jeopardize our economic recovery and compromise American principles of fairness and balance.

It’s time to let tax breaks for the highest 2 percent earners expire as a way to increase revenue. It’s time for all of us to let our congressman, U.S. Rep. Charlie Dent, R-Lehigh Valley, know that we expect him to vote “Yes” on SB 3412 when it comes to the House floor for a vote.